Indications
Moxonidine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It can be used alone or together with other blood pressure medicines.
How It Works
Moxonidine acts in the brain on receptors called imidazoline receptors, which help control the nervous signals that tighten blood vessels and speed up the heart. By calming these signals, it lets blood vessels relax and lowers blood pressure.
Dosage and Administration
The usual starting dose for adults is 0.2 mg once a day, taken in the morning, with or without food. If needed, a doctor may raise the dose after about 3 weeks to 0.4 mg a day, and up to a maximum of 0.6 mg a day split into two doses. People with kidney problems usually need a lower dose. Take it exactly as prescribed and do not stop suddenly.
Interactions
- Other blood pressure medicines add to its effect and may lower blood pressure too much.
- Alcohol, sleeping tablets, Benzodiazepines and other sedating medicines may increase drowsiness.
- Tricyclic antidepressants may reduce its effect.
- If taken with a beta blocker such as Atenolol and both need stopping, the beta blocker should be stopped first, a few days before Moxonidine, under medical advice.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Moxonidine.
- Slow heart rate or certain heart rhythm problems (sick sinus syndrome, second or third degree heart block).
- Heart failure.
Side Effects
Common side effects include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness, weakness, nausea and trouble sleeping. Dizziness on standing may occur, especially at the start.
Get urgent medical help if you notice a very slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if a doctor decides it is clearly needed. Moxonidine passes into breast milk, so it should not be used while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not stop taking it suddenly, as blood pressure may rise sharply. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually over about 2 weeks.
- Use with care if you have kidney problems, coronary heart disease or first degree heart block.
- It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; take care when driving.
- Not recommended for children and teenagers under 16.
Overdose
Too much may cause very low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting and weakness. Get emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting antihypertensive (imidazoline receptor agonist).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.